Ford is serious about tackling its competitors in the vigorous midsize sedan segment, and the Fusion is its weapon.
While the hybrid version gets a lot of attention for its fuel economy, it will be available only in small numbers. The regular model will do the heavy lifting. We’ll address the hybrid in a separate article in the future.
The Fusion’s design was freshened up for 2010. The biggest change is the chrome, three-bar grille. The car also has new headlamps, larger fog lamps and a domed hood. Aerodynamic enhancements and new underbody shields further boost Fusion’s fuel economy.
Prices begin at $19,270 and range to $27,270 for the hybrid. The test car was an SEL with a base price of $23,975 and a sticker price of $29,880.
Aside from the hybrid, there are three engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter V-6 and a 3.5-liter V-6. The four-cylinder has 175 horsepower, the 3.0-liter has 240, and the 3.5-liter in the Fusion Sport has 263 horsepower.
Four-cylinder Fusions equipped with an automatic transmission are rated at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway, numbers that are very similar to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry ratings.
The test car was a V-6. This engine is smooth and responsive. It delivers ample power and decent fuel economy. The six-speed automatic transmission, which contributes to economy by having a gear for every occasion, can be shifted manually if the driver so desires.
Like its major competitors, the Fusion delivers solid transportation, good value and plenty of space. The cabin can hold five people and the trunk is large.
The back seat has good legroom for adults, and it folds forward to expand the cargo space.
The SEL test car was well equipped. It had the blind-spot detection system with cross-traffic alert system. Blind-spot detection systems are becoming more common, and they are tremendously helpful. A small dot in the side mirror lights up when a vehicle is alongside.
The cross-traffic alert uses radar to sense traffic behind the vehicle when backing out of a parking place.
Ford’s navigation system continues to get better, although I’m not fond of the split-screen display that makes the map small in order to display radio and climate information.
Ford’s Sync system enables voice control of a Bluetooth telephone, an MP3 player or a music list.
The large gauges have light-blue backgrounds for quick readability.
Price
The test car’s base price was $23,975. Options included the navigation system, blind-spot detection system, rear video camera, power sunroof, Sony sound system, 3.0-liter engine, navigation system and dual-zone climate control. The sticker price was $29,880.
Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles, with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2010 Ford Fusion SEL
Engine: 3.0-liter V-6
Transmission: automatic
Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 107.4 inches
Curb weight: 3,446 lbs.
Base price: $23,975
As driven: $29,880
MPG rating: 18 city, 27 hwy.
Tom Strongman’s e-mail address is tom@tomstrongman.com.
